Apparatus for securing an electronic device to a support structure and electronic device incorporating same

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for mounting an electronic device to a support structure includes a coupling member, a clamp member, and a latch mechanism. The coupling member has a device support portion and a clamp support portion. The clamp support portion extends from one end of the device support portion at substantially a right angle. The clamp member includes a base, first and second clamp portions, and a hinge. The base is coupled to the coupling member’s clamp support portion. The first clamp portion is attached to the base. The hinge pivotally couples the first ends of the two clamp portions. The latch mechanism is anchored at a hinge joint at the second end of the first clamp portion, movable about the hinge joint between unlatched and latched positions, and configured to latch the second ends of the clamp portions together after the clamp portions are positioned about the support structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a division of U.S. Application No.17/695,779, which was filed on Mar. 15, 2022, and is incorporated hereinby this reference in its entirety. U.S. Application No. 17/695,779 is acontinuation-in part of U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/767,115,which was filed on Jan. 20, 2021, and is incorporated herein by thisreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to mounting of electronicdevices and, more particularly, to an apparatus for mounting anelectronic device to a support structure, such as a streetlight, and anelectronic device that includes such an apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Clamping structures are commonly used to mount equipment to structures.In particular, clamping structures can use opposing semi-circular halvesthat are bolted together on each side around a cylindrical pole section.These halves a sometimes referred to as being U-shaped or horseshoeshaped. To install these a worker generally puts one half on one side ofthe pole, then aligns the other half with the first half, and passes arespective bolt through each of the opposing ends. This operationgenerally requires both hands to do. Thus, if the equipment beingmounted needs to be held during this process, another person is neededto hold the equipment, or some sort of assistance must be used to holdthe equipment being mounted. One type of equipment that is beingdeployed presently are small cell access node devices. These devices maybe mounted on existing lighting structures used to light roads andsidewalks in urban or city locales. Modern lighting structure includeelectrical connectors that can be used to power associated devices, likesmall cell access node devices. However, the use of prior art clampingstructures to mount small cell access devices, and other types ofelectronic devices, to pole sections is inefficient and may requiremultiple personnel to install the equipment.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art asdiscussed above.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a clamp assemblyfor mounting a small cell access node device to a pole section of alight structure. The clamp assembly includes a coupling member that hasan elongated top portion that has a first end and a second end. Thecoupling member also has a clamp support portion that extends from thesecond end of the top portion in a direction substantially normal to anelongated direction of the top portion such that the coupling member hasa substantial “L” shape. The clamp assembly also includes a clamp memberthat has a base that is coupled to the clamp support portion. The clampmember also has a first clamp portion that has a first end fixed to thebase, and a second end that is free. The first clamp portion has asemicircular shape between its first end and its second end. The clampmember also has a second clamp portion including a first end that isjoined to the first end of the first clamp portion by a hinge. Thesecond clamp portion has a semicircular shape between its first end andits second end. The semicircular shape of the second clamp portionopposes the semicircular shape of the first clamp portion such that thefirst and second clamp portions define a circle between them when thesecond ends of the upper and second clamp portions are bought together.The clamp assembly also has a latch mechanism mounted at the second endof the first clamp portion that is moveable and configured to latch thesecond end of the second clamp portion to the second end of the firstclamp portion.

Some exemplary embodiments of the inventive disclosure provide anelectronic device mountable to a support structure. The small cellaccess node device includes a turn-lock electrical connector disposed ona bottom side at a front of the small cell access node device. The smallcell access node device also has a pair of parallel tracks along thebottom side, each one of the pair of tracks runs in a direction from aback to the front of the small cell access node device and each have aslot along the track in which to receive a corresponding shuttle. Thesmall cell access node device has a clamp assembly that includes acoupling member. The coupling member has an elongated top portion with afirst end and a second end. The coupling member further includes a clampsupport portion that extends from the second end of the top portion in adirection substantially normal to an elongated direction of the topportion. The coupling member also includes a first shuttle at first enddisposed on a top surface of the top portion and coupled into a firstone of the pair of tracks, and a second shuttle at second end disposedon the top surface of the top portion and coupled into a second one ofthe pair of tracks. The shuttles are movable along the tracks and holdthe clamp assembly to the bottom side of the small cell access nodedevice. The clamp assembly of the small cell access node device furtherincludes a clamp member that has a base, and the base is coupled to theclamp support portion of the coupling member. The clamp member furtherhas a first clamp portion having a first end fixed to the base and asecond end that is positioned closer to the top portion of the couplingmember than the first end. The clamp member also has a second clampportion that has a first end that is coupled to the first end of thefirst clamp portion by a hinge joint such that the second clamp portionis moveable about the hinge joint. The second clamp portion also has asecond end that mates against the second end of the first clamp portionwhen the second clamp portion is in a closed position. The clampassembly further includes a latch that is anchored at the second end ofthe first clamp portion, and that is configured to engage the second endof the lower clamp member when the lower clamp member is in the closedposition.

Some other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide aclamp assembly for mounting on a pole section of a lighting structurethat includes a coupling member having a top portion. The top portionhas a first end, a second end, and a top surface. The coupling memberalso has a clamp support portion that extends from the top portion atthe second end of the top portion, opposite the top surface, atsubstantially a right angle to the top portion. The clamp assemblyfurther includes a clamp member that has a base that is slidably coupledto the clamp support portion. The clamp member has a first clamp portionhaving a first end which is fixed to the base, and a second end that iscloser to the top portion of the coupling member than the first end ofthe first clamp portion is to the top portion. The first clamp portionhas a semi-circular inner face between the first and second ends of thefirst clamp portion. The clamp member further has a second clamp portionthat has a first end connected to the first end of the first clampportion at a hinge joint. The second clamp portion is movable about thehinge joint between an open and a closed position. In the closedposition a second end of the second clamp portion is against the secondend of the first clamp portion. The second clamp portion has asemi-circular inner face between the first and second ends of the secondclamp portion. The clamp assembly further has a latch member with afirst end anchored at a hinge joint at the second end of the first clampportion. The latch member is movable about the hinge joint between anunlatched position and a latched position, and is configured to latchthe second end of the second clamp portion against the second end of thefirst clamp portion.

Although the present disclosure illustrates and describes a clampassembly for mounting a small cell access node device on an outdoorlight fixture, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to thedetails shown because various modifications and structural changes maybe made therein without departing from the spirit of the disclosure andwhile remaining within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.Additionally, well-known elements of the invention will not be describedin detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant detailsof the invention.

Features that are considered characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of thesmall cell housing are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understoodthat the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, and the housing maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural andfunctional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representativebasis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employthe claimed invention in appropriately detailed structures. Further, theterms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; butrather, to provide an understandable description of the disclosure.While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe invention, it is believed that the claimed invention will be betterunderstood from a consideration of the following description inconjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numeralsare carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or“an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term“plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. Theterm “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more.The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined ascomprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, isdefined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and notnecessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in itsbroadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, makingavailable, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or inmultiple parts at once or over a period of time.

As used in this description, unless otherwise specified, azimuth orpositional relationships indicated by terms such as “up”, “down”,“left”, “right”, “inside”, “outside”, “front”, “back”, “head”, “tail”and so on, are azimuth or positional relationships based on thedrawings, which are only to facilitate description of the embodiments ofthe present invention and simplify the description, but not to indicateor imply that the devices or components must have a specific azimuth, orbe constructed or operated in the specific azimuth, which thus cannot beunderstood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present invention.Furthermore, terms such as “first”, “second,” “third,” and so on areonly used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed asindicating or implying relative importance.

As used in this description, unless otherwise clearly defined andlimited, terms such as “installed”, “coupled”, “connected” should bebroadly interpreted, for example, it may be fixedly connected, or may bedetachably connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanicallyconnected, or may be electrically connected; it may be directlyconnected or may be indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. Asused herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numericvalues, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally referto a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would considerequivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function orresult). In many instances these terms may include numbers that arerounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term“longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction correspondingto an elongated direction of the device. Those skilled in the art canunderstand the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in theembodiments of the present disclosure according to the specificcircumstances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a clamp assembly with its clampmember in an open position, in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 1 withthe clamp member in a closed position, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 1 with theclamp member in the closed position, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a coupling member of the clamp assembly ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with an additional exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a clamp member of the clamp assembly ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary electronic device that includes the clampassembly of FIG. 1 in a position prior to securing the electronic deviceto a streetlight, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows the exemplary electronic device of FIG. 6 as connected to alight fixture of the streetlight with the clamp assembly open andpositioned around a section of a light pole, in accordance with someexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows the exemplary electronic device of FIG. 6 secured to thestreetlight with the clamp closed, in accordance with some embodimentsof the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a clamp assembly with its clampmember in an open position, in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure. The clamp assembly 100 includes a couplingmember 102 and a clamp member 104. The coupling member 102 couples theclamp assembly 100 to the bottom of an electronic device, such as anaerially-mountable small cell access node or other electronic device,and the clamp member 104 is configured to encircle or surround, andclamp to, a support structure, such as pole of a streetlight. FIGS. 2and 3 show alternative views of the clamp assembly 100 with the clampmember 104 closed as it would be when clamped to a pole section of alighting fixture. FIG. 4 shows an exploded sub-assembly view of thecoupling member 102, and FIG. 5 shows and exploded sub-assembly view ofthe clamp member 104. Some of the features referenced herein may beviewable in one or more of FIGS. 1-5 but not necessarily all of thedrawings.

The coupling member 102 includes an electronic device support portion106 having a generally flat, top surface 107. The electronic devicesupport portion 106 has a first end 108 and a second end 110 oppositethe first end 108. The first and second ends 108, 110 generally have awidth in a direction normal to a direction from the first end 108 to thesecond end 110, and the widths of the first and second ends 108, 110 aresubstantially less than a length between the first and second ends 108,110. As a result, the top surface 107 can be generally rectangular, butcan also be elliptical or oval or have another shape. In someapplications the top portion 106 is oriented to be generally horizontalwith the top surface 107 being generally flat. The electronic devicesupport portion 106 at the first end 108, has a bottom 116 that may begenerally flat and parallel to the top surface 107 along some of theelectronic device support portion 106 from the first end 108 toward thesecond end 110. A first opening 112 at the first end passes through theelectronic device support portion 106, from the top surface 107 to thebottom 116. Likewise, a second opening 114 at the second end 110 passesthrough the electronic device support portion 106 as well. The first andsecond openings 112, 114 allow fasteners to pass through the electronicdevice support portion 106 to facilitate attachment to the bottom of anelectronic device.

A clamp support portion 118 extends from the electronic device supportportion 106 at a generally right angle to the elongated direction of theelectronic device support portion 106 (i.e., the direction between theends 108, 100). In particular, the clamp support portion 118 extendsfrom the electronic device support portion 106 opposite the top surface107 near the second end 110, and is off center, relative to the firstand second ends 108, 110 of the electronic device support portion 106.The clamp support portion 118 may depend from or be attached to theelectronic device support portion 106. The clamp support portion 118 hasa distal end or bottom 120 that terminates the clamp support portion118, and the clamp support portion 118 is configured couple to the clampmember 104 and support the clamp member 104. Thus, when the clamp member104 is clamped to a pole section of a light fixture, the electronicdevice support portion 106 can be coupled to the bottom of theelectronic device, and the clamp assembly 100 acts to secure theelectronic device to the support structure (e.g., a pole section of astreetlight).

The clamp member 104 includes a base portion 122 and two pivotally orhingeably coupled clamp portions 128, 136. The base portion 122 includesa protrusion 124 (shown in an exemplary rectangular shape in FIG. 5 )along its side opposite the side to which the base portion is coupled toa clamp portion 128, which may be a first clamp portion. The protrusionis configured to fit within a corresponding recess, slot, or channel 126in the clamp support portion 118. In one exemplary embodiment, theprotrusion 24 is shorter than the length of its corresponding channel126 in the clamp support portion 118 to allow the base portion 122 to beheight-adjustable relative to the top portion 106. The channel 126 maybe implemented using a slotted opening in the clamp support portion 118,which runs in an elongated direction of the clamp support portion 118and is longer than the base portion protrusion 124 to allow the positionof the clamp member 104 to be adjusted relative to the top portion 106of the coupling member 102. That is, the base portion 122 can slidealong the clamp support portion 118 in some embodiments and be fixed ata desired position to allow leveling of an electronic device secured tothe couple member 102 by adjusting the distance between the top portion106 of the coupling member 102 and the clamp member 104. The baseportion 122 is joined to the first clamp portion 128 that defines anarched (e.g., semi-circular) engagement surface 130, which may include afirst bushing component 514 or may accommodate attachment of a firstbushing component 514. The first bushing component 514 may be made ofmetal, such as aluminum, or any other material having a high coefficientof friction and being slightly compressible or resilient. The firstclamp portion 128 has a first end 132 that is proximate to the bottom orlower end of the base portion 122. From the first end 132, the firstclamp portion 128 follows an arched path to a second end 134. The secondend 134 of the first clamp portion 128 is closer to the top portion 106of the coupling member 102 than is the first end 132 of the first clampportion 128. As such, a line 135 from the first end 132 to the secondend 134 of the first clamp portion 128 may be at about a forty-fivedegree angle to either the elongated direction of the top portion 106 ofthe coupling member 102 or the elongated direction of the clamp supportportion 118, since they are at a generally right angle to each other. Asa result, the clamp assembly 100 only needs to be moved or slid a smalldistance, as indicated by dashed line 202, in order to pass over asupport structure, such as a section of a pole, as compared to line 204if the first ends 132, 140 of the clamp portions 128, 136 were at thesame height as their respective second ends 134, 142.

The second clamp portion 136, which may be positioned lower than thefirst clamp portion 134 during use of the clamp assembly 100, islikewise arched and may include or accommodate attachment of a secondbushing component 516. The second bushing component 516 may be made ofmetal, such as aluminum, or any other material having a high coefficientof friction and optionally being slightly compressible or resilient. Thematerial used and the geometric shape selected for implementing thebushing components 514, 516 should be sufficient to resist movement orrotation of the clamp member 104 relative to the support structure towhich the clamp member 104 is secured. The second clamp portion 136 hasa first end 138 that is proximate the first end 132 of the first clampportion 128 and is hingeably joined to the first clamp portion 128 by aninterleaving member 140 that extends from the first end 138 of thesecond clamp portion 136 between one or more extensions 502, whichextend from the first end 132 of the first clamp portion 128. A hingepin 504 may be included to pass through lateral openings 506 and 508 ofthe interleaving member 140 and the extension(s) 502, respectively.Thus, the second clamp portion 136 is moveable relative to the firstclamp portion 128 to open and close the clamp member 104. In the closedposition the second end 142 of the second clamp portion 136 will beagainst the second end 134 of the upper clamp member 128. The secondclamp portion 136 is movable, about the hinge pin 504, relative to thefirst clamp portion 128, between a closed position as shown in FIG. 2 ,and an open position. FIG. 1 shows the second clamp portion 136 in apartially open position, and it can be opened further to allow a lightfixture pole to fit within the clamp member 104, and then closed toclamp the clamp member 104 on the pole. Thus, the second clamp portion136 is moveable between an open position, such as that shown in FIG. 1 ,and which can be opened further than that shown. In particular, thelower clamp member 136 is movable such that a distance between thesecond ends 134, 142 is larger than the diameter of the circle definedbetween the first and second clamp portions when the second clampportion is closed, as shown in FIG. 2 , with the second end 134, 142against each other.

To hold the lower clamp member 136 in the closed position, a latch isprovided that includes a threaded rod 152 that is anchored at one end ina transverse cylinder 154, which has a threaded opening 510 through thecylinder 154 to receive the threaded end of the threaded rod 152. Thecylinder 154 is held by a boss 155 at the second end 134 of the firstclamp portion 128 to form a hinge joint at the second 134 of the firstclamp portion. The hinge joint allows the threaded rod 152, acting as alatch member, to rotate about the hinge joint, meaning the free end orlatching end of the threaded rod 152 can rotate around the hinge jointlocation. The boss 155 has a corresponding transverse hole 512 in whichthe cylinder sits, allowing the cylinder to rotate in place. The boss155 includes a slot 162 along its top to allow the threaded rod 152 torotate about the transverse axis of the cylinder 154. The boss 155 isadjacent to an outward extension 150 at the second end 134 through withthe slot 162 passes. The second clamp portion 136, at its second end142, includes an outward or radial extension 150 that abuts the radialextension 150 of the first clamp portion 128 when the lower claimportion 136 is in the closed position (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2 ).The slot 164 of the radial extension 150 of the second clamp portion 136aligns with the slot 162 of the radial extension 150 of the first clampportion 128. As a result, the threaded rod 152 can be positioned in anextended position as shown in FIG. 1 , when the second clamp portion 136is in an open position, and then rotated to a latch position as shown inFIGS. 2-3 to latch the second clamp portion 136 in the closed position.A latch nut 156 disposed on the threaded rod 152 is retained on thethreaded rod 152, which is tightened against the backside of the radialextension 160 to retain the second clamp portion 136 in the closedposition. A retaining cap 158 can be placed at the distal end of thethreaded rod 152 to prevent the latch nut 156 from coming off that thethreaded rod 152.

In FIG. 4 , additional features of the coupling member 102 are shown, inaccordance with some alternative embodiments. For example, anon-conductive spacer 402 can be placed over the top surface 107 of thetop portion 106 of the coupling member 102 to provide electricalisolation between the top surface 107 of the top portion 106 of thecoupling member 102 and a pair of shuttles 404, 406 that support anelectronic device mounted to the top portion 106 of the coupling member102. The pair of shuttles 404, 406 may be disposed at the first end 108and second end 110, respectively, of the top portion 106. The shuttlessit on top of the top portion 106, over the top surface 107, and have anoutward extending top portion 405, 407 over a connecting portion 408,410, respectively. The outward extending portions fit into capturedrails in the bottom of the small cell access node device. Pins 412, 414sit partly in the connecting portions 408, 410, and partly in the topportion 106 at the top surface 107 to prevent the shuttles 404, 406 fromturning. A threaded fastener 420 can pass through opening 112 at thefirst end 108 of the top portion to retain shuttle 404. A washer 422 canbe disposed on the threaded shank of the threaded fastener 420 at thebottom of the top portion 106, while a C clip 424 is used on the distalend of the threaded shank to retain the shuttle 404 on the threadedshank of the threaded fastener 420. Another threaded fastener 420 can beused to retain shuttle 406, passing through opening 114 at the secondend 110 of the top portion 106 of the coupling member 104.

To hold the clamp member 104 to the coupling member 102 threadedfasteners 428, 430 pass through slot 126 into holes 427, 431 on base 122of the clamp member 102 (see FIG. 5 ). Washers 432, 436, and C clips434, 438 can be used to retain the threaded fasteners 428, 430 in place,once adjusted. The threaded fasteners 428, 430 can be loosened to allowthe base 122 of the clamp member 104 to move vertically along the clampsupport portion 118 to an optimum position and then the threadedfasteners 428, 430 can be tightened to hold the clamp member 104 inplace. A clamp cover screw 440 can be used to hold a cover (not shown)over the threaded fasteners 428, 430 and the exterior side of the clampsupport portion 118. A retaining clip 442 can be used to retain theclamp cover screw 440.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the exemplary clamp member 104 of theclamp assembly 100, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In FIG. 5 , the bushing components 514, 516 aresecured in their respective clamp portions 128, 136. The first andsecond bushing components 514, 516 can be selected to fit the clamp ontoa variety of sizes and shapes of support structures, such as lightpoles. That is, light poles are generally cylindrical or have a roundedrectangular shape but may vary in diameter. To obtain a proper clampforce on the pole section, the characteristics, such as shape andthickness, of the bushing components 514, 516 may be selected for anoptimum fit. That is, the bushing components 514, 516, when together(i.e., when the clamp is closed), will form a hoop, ring, roundedrectangle or other desired shape around the support structure, such thatthe bushing formed by the bushing components 514, 516 has an innerdiameter or other inner dimension that is about equal to the outerdiameter or dimension of the support structure, and has an outerdiameter or other dimension that is the same size as the diameter ordimension of the opening formed be the first and second clamp portions128, 136 (without the bushing components 514, 516). In some embodiments,the bushing components 514, 516 can be made of aluminum and are alignedand secured in their respective clamp portions 128, 136. For example,second bushing component 516 has an alignment hole 520 that aligns witha corresponding alignment hole 522 in the inner face of the second clampportion 136. A pin 518 extends through both of the alignment holes 520,522 to align the bushing component 516 against the inner face of thesecond clamp portion 136. A clamp insert bolt 524 also passes throughthe bushing component 516 and into the clamp portion to secure thebushing component 516 to the second clamp portion 136. Similarly,alignment pin 526 passes through alignment hole 530 in the first bushingcomponent 514, which is further secured to the first clamp portion byclamp insert bolt 528 which screws into a threaded hole in the firstclamp portion and passes through the first bushing component 514. Tofurther secure the clamp to the light pole, the bushing components 514,516, which generally providing a circular inner diameter or shape, canhave one or more flat facets 532 which can further ensure secureclamping in view of the tolerance range of light pole diameters.

FIGS. 6-8 shows an electronic device, such as, but not limited to, asmall cell access node device, using a clamp assembly 100 beinginstalled on a streetlight, in sequence. FIG. 6 shows the clamp assembly100 open, and prior to connecting the electronic device 602 to thestreetlight; FIG. 7 shows the electronic device 602 connected to a lightfixture of the streetlight but with the clamp assembly 100 still open;and FIG. 8 shows the electronic device 602 connected to the streetlightand with the clamp assembly 100 closed. The electronic device 602 may bea wireless telecommunications device that provides a local cell ofcommunication access for nearby mobile devices and connects to atelecommunications network for both voice and data communications. Forexample, the electronic device 602 may provide a wireless air interfacein accordance with the standard known as “5G,” which supports a fifthgeneration of mobile wireless communication. According to one exemplaryembodiment, the streetlight may have a substantially vertical polesection 612 that is terminated by a light fixture 610. The light fixture610 may include an electrical connector 614 on its top side. The polesection 612 can be mounted to a building, or joined to a vertical polesection that is erected from a ground base.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 602 mayinclude, on its bottom side, an electrical connector site 606 that hasturn-lock prongs 608 that mate with corresponding electrical connectorfeatures in the connector 614 of the light fixture 610. In general, theconnector 614 and mating connector site 606 are configured to cometogether vertically such that the prongs 608 enter receptacles in theconnector 614, and then the electronic device 602 is rotated about theconnector in a plane normal to the vertical direction to lock the prongs608 in place. In some embodiments, the connector 614 can be a socket asspecified by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) inaccordance with standard C136.4 or C136.55 of the American NationalStandard Institute (ANSI). Thus, in FIG. 6 , the clamp assembly 100 isshown in an exemplary manner, above the pole section 612, but also tothe side, while connection site 606 is directly over and verticallyaligned with connector 614 so that prongs 608 will properly engage withmating electrical connector features in the connector 614 as shown inFIG. 7 .

The clamp assembly 100 is mounted on the bottom 604 of the electronicdevice 602. On the bottom 604 of the electronic device 602 there are twoparallel tracks 616 that are configured to receive therein the topportion 405, 407 of the shuttles 404, 406 while the connecting portions408, 410 of the shuttles 404, 406 pass through a slot along each track616. The shuttles 404, 406 can move along the track 6161, which allowsthe coupling member 102 of the clamp assembly 100 (and therefore theclamp assembly 100 itself) to be positioned at an optimum or desiredpoint along the tracks 616. In FIG. 6 , with the electronic device 602positioned over the light fixture, and turned such that, while theconnection site 606 is directly over the connector 614, the back end ofthe electronic device 602 and the clamp assembly 100 are offset to theside of the pole section 612. Further, the second clamp portion 136 ofthe clamp member 104 is open, substantially as shown in FIG. 1 so thatthe pole section can fit between the upper and lower claim portion 128,136. Accordingly, from the position shown in FIG. 6 , the electronicdevice 602 is lowered such the electrical connection at connection site606 and the connector 614 on the lamp 610 is made, and then theelectronic device 602 is rotated to lock the prong 608 into theconnector 614, and at the same time, move the first clamp portion 128over the pole section 612, and the second clamp portion 136 under thepole section 612 to the position shown in FIG. 7 . In the position shownin FIG. 7 , electrical power is provided to the electronic device 602from the lamp 610 through connector 614. The locking aspect of theprongs 608 and connector 614 provide a mechanical lock prevents thefront end of the electronic device 602 from separating away from thelamp 610. To complete the mounting of the electronic device 602 onto thelight fixture, the second clamp portion 136 is raised to close the clampmember 104, and the threaded rod 152 is moved so that the latch nut 156can be tightened against radial extension 160 to close the clamp portion128, 136 together, such that the clamp assembly is substantially in thestate shown in FIG. 2 . The position of the clamp member 104 in thecoupling member 102 can then be adjusted to level the electronic device602. With the clamp assembly 100 clamped onto the pole section 612, theelectronic device 602 can then be levelled and is then ready foroperation.

The clamp assembly 100 therefore provides the benefit of being able toadjust the position of the clamp assembly 00 relative to the electronicdevice 602, and to adjust the position of the clamp member on thecoupling member to be able to level the electronic device 602. Theconfiguration of the first and second clamp portions 128, 136 allows forsingle handed closure of the clamp; an installer can lift the secondclamp portion 136 to close the clamp portions 128, 136 together with thefingers of one hand and while holding the second clamp portion in theclosed position, use their thumb to move the threaded rod 152 into thelatch position, and the tighten the latch nut 156 with their thumb aswell. One the latch nut is “thumb tight,” the installer can let go ofthe lower clamp member 136 and use a tool (wrench) to tighten the latchnut 156 to a desired torque. Thus, the inventive clamp assembly 100allows for simple mounting, including levelling, of the small cellaccess node device onto a light fixture. By positioning the first clampportion with the first end lower than the second (free) end, the heightthat the small cell access node device needs to be lifted for the secondend of the first clamp portion to pass over the pole section is reduced,which puts less torque and stress on the electrical connectors whenmounting the small cell access node device.

The claims appended hereto are meant to cover all modifications andchanges within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for mounting an electronic device toa support structure, the apparatus comprising: a coupling member havinga top portion having a first end and a second end and a top surface, andfurther having a clamp support portion that extends from the top portionat the second end of the top portion opposite the top surface atsubstantially a right angle with respect to the top portion; a clampmember having a base that is slidably coupled to the clamp supportportion, and having an first clamp portion having a first end that isfixed to the base and a second end that is closer to the top portion ofthe coupling member than the first end of the first clamp portion is tothe top portion, and wherein the first clamp portion has a semi-circularinner face between the first and second ends of the first clamp portion,the clamp member further having a second clamp portion having a firstend that is connected to the first end of the first clamp portion at ahinge, the second clamp portion being movable about the hinge jointbetween an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closedposition a second end of the second clamp portion is against the secondend of the first clamp portion, and wherein the second clamp portion hasa semi-circular inner face between the first and second ends of thesecond clamp portion; and a latch member having a first end anchored ata hinge joint at the second end of the first clamp portion and ismovable about the hinge joint between an unlatched position and alatched position, and is configured to latch the second end of thesecond clamp portion against the second end of the first clamp portion.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of thefirst clamp portion are positioned such that a line between the firstand second ends of the first clamp portion is at a forty-five degreeangle to an elongated direction of the top portion of the couplingmember, and an elongated direction of the clamp support portion of thecoupling member.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamp supportportion includes a vertical channel, the base of the clamp memberincludes an interlocking extension that fits into the channel, andwherein one or more threaded fasteners pass through the channel and intothe base from an opposite side of the clamp support portion to securethe base to the clamp support portion.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the latch member includes a threaded rod having a latch nutdisposed on the threaded rod and wherein a first end of the threaded rodis threaded into an opening in a transverse cylinder held in a boss atthe second end of the first clamp portion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a first bushing component attached to the inner faceof the first clamp portion; and a second bushing component attached tothe inner face of the second clamp portion.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein the first bushing component and the second bushing componenteach have at least one flat facet.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe top portion of the coupling member further includes: a first shuttlepositioned proximate the top surface of the top portion at the first endof the top portion; and a second shuttle positioned proximate the topsurface of the top portion at the second end of the top portion, whereinthe first shuttle and the second shuttle are configured to engage inrespective tracks formed in a housing of the electronic device.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the top portion of the coupling memberfurther includes: a non-conductive spacer positioned between the firstand second shuttles and the top surface of the top portion.
 9. Anapparatus for mounting an electronic device to a support structure, theapparatus comprising: a coupling member having an electronic devicesupport portion and a clamp support portion, the clamp support portionextending from one end of the electronic device support portion atsubstantially a right angle with respect to the electronic devicesupport portion; a clamp member including a base, a first clamp portion,a second clamp portion, and a hinge, the base being slidably coupled tothe clamp support portion of the coupling member, the first clampportion being attached to the base, the hinge pivotally coupling a firstend of the second clamp portion to a first end of the first clampportion such that the second clamp portion is movable about the hingebetween an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closedposition a second end of the second clamp portion is positioned againsta second end of the first clamp portion; and a latch mechanism anchoredat a hinge joint at the second end of the first clamp portion, the latchmechanism being movable about the hinge joint between an unlatchedposition and a latched position, and configured to latch the second endof the second clamp portion against the second end of the first clampportion after the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion arepositioned about the support structure.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein the second end of the first clamp portion of the clamp member iscloser to the electronic device support portion of the coupling memberthan is the first end of the first clamp portion.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the clamp support portion of the coupling memberincludes a vertical channel, the base of the clamp member includes aninterlocking extension that fits into the channel, and wherein one ormore threaded fasteners pass through the channel and into the base froman opposite side of the clamp support portion to secure the base to theclamp support portion.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the latchmechanism includes a threaded rod having a latch nut disposed thereonand wherein a first end of the threaded rod is threaded into an openingin a transverse cylinder held in a boss at the second end of the firstclamp portion of the clamp member.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, whereinthe clamp member further includes: a first bushing component attached toan inner face of the first clamp portion; and a second bushing componentattached to an inner face of the second clamp portion.
 14. The apparatusof claim 9, wherein the second clamp portion has an outward radialextension at the second end thereof, the outward radial extensiondefining a slot, and wherein the latch mechanism includes: a threadedrod having a first end and a second end, the first end of the threadedrod being coupled to the second end of the first clamp portion at thehinge j oint; and a latch nut disposed on the threaded rod so as to beon an outer side of the outward radial extension when the threaded rodis rotated about the hinge joint and positioned in the slot of theoutward radial extension to permit tightening of the latch nut againstthe outer side of the outward radial extension.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the electronic device support portion of the couplingmember further includes: a first shuttle positioned proximate a topsurface of the electronic device support portion proximate a first endof the electronic device support portion; and a second shuttlepositioned proximate the top surface of the electronic device supportportion proximate a second end of the electronic device support portion,wherein the first shuttle and the second shuttle are configured toengage in respective tracks formed in a housing of the electronicdevice.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the electronic devicesupport portion of the coupling member further includes: anon-conductive spacer positioned between the first and second shuttlesand the top surface of the electronic device support portion.
 17. Anapparatus for mounting an electronic device to a support structure, theapparatus comprising: a coupling member having an electronic devicesupport portion and a clamp support portion, the clamp support portionextending from one end of the electronic device support portion atsubstantially a right angle with respect to the electronic devicesupport portion and defining a channel along a length thereof; a clampmember including a base, a first clamp portion, a second clamp portion,and a hinge, the base being slidably coupled to the clamp supportportion of the coupling member and including an interlocking extensionthat fits into the channel of the clamp support portion, the first clampportion being attached to the base, the hinge pivotally coupling a firstend of the second clamp portion to a first end of the first clampportion such that the second clamp portion is movable about the hingebetween an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closedposition a second end of the second clamp portion is positioned againsta second end of the first clamp portion; and a latch mechanism anchoredat a hinge joint at the second end of the first clamp portion, the latchmechanism being movable about the hinge joint between an unlatchedposition and a latched position, and configured to latch the second endof the second clamp portion against the second end of the first clampportion after the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion arepositioned about the support structure.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17,wherein the second end of the first clamp portion is closer to theelectronic device support portion of the coupling member than is thefirst end of the first clamp portion.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17,wherein the latch mechanism includes a threaded rod having a latch nutdisposed thereon and wherein a first end of the threaded rod is threadedinto an opening in a transverse cylinder held in a boss at the secondend of the first clamp portion of the clamp member.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the electronic device support portion of the couplingmember further includes: a first shuttle positioned proximate a topsurface of the electronic device support portion proximate a first endof the electronic device support portion; a second shuttle positionedproximate the top surface of the electronic device support portionproximate a second end of the electronic device support portion, whereinthe first shuttle and the second shuttle are configured to engage inrespective tracks formed in a housing of the electronic device; and anon-conductive spacer positioned between the first and second shuttlesand the top surface of the electronic device support portion.